The former Bellator champion has been on the sidelines waiting for his shot at Conor McGregor. They were supposed to clash at UFC 303 but due to a short-notice injury to the Irishman’s pinky toe, the bout fell through. Now, with UFC CEO Dana White indicating that ‘The Notorious’s return is being planned for 2025, where does that leave Chandler? While he’s already got a much-hyped matchup already lined up, in a recent update it was revealed that fans at ‘The Sphere’ could have been in for an action-packed showdown between Chandler and a surprising opponent!

According to a recent post shared by SpinninBackfist on X, “Michael Chandler says he was offered to fight TONIGHT at #UFC306 vs Max Holloway”. Sounds interesting, right? Another post on X by Jose Youngs further explains, “…Chandler reveals he almost fought Max Holloway inside the sphere. Adds he’d still like that fight in 2025 after Oliviera, Islam/Armen winner, and McGregor”

With the Irishman still out of the picture, Chandler has had to keep his career moving forward. So, what did he do? In a move that sent shockwaves through the MMA Sphere, ‘Iron’ is now penciled in for a re-match against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.

For those who remember their first meeting in 2021, it was a firefight. Oliveira managed to finish Chandler in the second round to claim the vacant lightweight title. But Chandler remains unfazed, and now he’s getting a second chance at redemption. However, as it turns out, we could have possibly witnessed a clash of epic proportions between the former featherweight king and current BMF title holder, Max Holloway, and Chandler at UFC 306.

While Chandler has indicated that he’s got multiple options lined up for him, Conor McGregor has been forced to seek out help to finally get some clarity on what’s next for him!

McGregor left hanging as Michael Chandler moves on from ‘The Notorious’ fight

In a recent conversation shared by Spinnin Backfist, UFC President Dana White revealed that Michael Chandler, McGregor’s presumed next opponent, has moved on. “Chandler said, ‘I’m done waiting. I want to fight,’” White explained. And fight he will—Chandler has signed on for a rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 this November.

A fighter known for his larger-than-life personality, it’s clear Conor McGregor doesn’t enjoy being on the sidelines. And during a recent Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) post-fight press conference, the former champ-champ shared, “Yet, I struggle to get a date, so you know, I’ve talked to Sheikh Turki and said, ‘Sheikh Turki, can you assist me here?’ you know.”

Turki Alalshikh is the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), a powerful figure in global sports and entertainment. The Irishman also confessed that while he has been tested repeatedly by ‘Drug Free Sport’, the frustration at not getting a “date” caused him to reach out to GEA Chairman for assistance.

He also hinted that if the UFC pushes his return to December, January, or even February, a showdown with Chandler could still be on the cards. Could help from outside the UFC be the ticket McGregor needs to fast-track his return? And will Michael Chandler take on the Irishman after he is done with Charles Oliveira? Let us know what you think in the comments below!